Age: 36 Residence: Worcester Born in: Asyut, Egypt Been in the U.S. for: eight years and an American citizen for two years. Family: wife, Jennifer and three ...

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Age: 36 Residence: Worcester Born in: Asyut, Egypt Been in the U.S. for: eight years and an American citizen for two years. Family: wife, Jennifer and three children, Mikayla, 14, James, 2, and Serena, five months. Occupation: pumps gas at Hi-Lo Gas, 1340 Main St., Worcester.

Masoud Shehata is all about people and serving his customers. And talk about a strong work ethic. The Egyptian immigrant-turned-U.S. citizen works 16-hour days, relishing an America that afforded him an opportunity for which he is ever grateful.

What brought you to the United States?

I am one of those people who won a green card in an immigration lottery. I was in the army back then when I applied for it. By the time I was out of the army, it was a big surprise. I got a response from the immigration offices that I won the lottery. And, of course, they tell you that it's not guaranteed 100 percent. Do not give up your job or your kids or your property. You got to wait until you get the visa in your hand, which, after the whole process goes through between the interviews, the medical exams, the physical exams, everything, it took about eight, nine months. I kept going back and forth with the paperwork, with the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, until the visa was issued Jan. 5, 2005.

What was it like, winning the lottery?

I was really praying that I would win the lottery because I wanted a higher quality of life than the one that I had in Egypt. Winning my green card was like a wide, big door opening in front of me to a different life. It's not worth a lot of money but it's worth a lot. It got me to get out, to see a different world, different freedom and different life. It was a big surprise for me that I had the green card.

What would you have done if you didn't win the lottery?

I was planning for another thing because I got a Class B license back home. If I didn't get the visa here, I was going to buy a taxi for myself and run my own business over there.

What were doing before you left Egypt?

I was working in a carton factory in Jordan. I was making the cartons that you put eggs in. In Lebanon, I was working at a meat factory for six years. I left Lebanon and went back to Egypt to go serve in the army. It was mandatory and I had to serve for 28 months. It was very hard ... We all know that the army's an order. When you get the order, you have to do it. Whether it's right or wrong, easy or hard, you just have to do it. There's no question. It's a non-negotiable order.

What kind of relationship do you have with your customers?

I grew up friendly. So everywhere I go, I introduce myself to people and make friends so quick. I also like to earn people's trust. So people trust me and I trust them and we have a relationship. I would call a lot of my customers friends.

Where did you meet your wife?

Right here at this job. She was coming here regularly for gas. And it started with a cup of coffee. She offered me the coffee.

Who attended your wedding?

About 30 percent of the people who attended were my customers here.

Do you have family back in Egypt?

My mother and my three brothers are still back in Egypt. We got married here in church in 2009 and flew back to see them.

What are your hours at the gas station?

I work six in the morning until 10 at night six days a week. Usually I take five or six hours off, Saturday morning, to take my family to church. Sunday is my day off.

Were you well-off, doing all right or poor in Egypt?

We were very poor, beyond poor. We had days and nights that we could only find a piece of bread at home. And it's all homemade bread. You could call it the dark ages, actually. We grew up with an oil lamp. We had no electricity in the house until I was 13 years old. Of course, no phone, TVs, radios, nothing.

What are you the most grateful for?

I am grateful for my wife and my kids. I am very grateful for my family back there (in Egypt). I am very grateful for the situation I grew up with because I learned everything that I wanted in my life from the hardship back there. I don't even care that I grew up poor or beyond poor. I'm so grateful for it because I learned so much from it. I learned how to be compassionate, kind, friendly and humble.

What does Hi-Lo Gas mean to you?

I am attached to this place big time ... I will never forget that I met my wife here. I will never forget my customers and the people who I have worked with, people who became my friends. I will never forget them. I think even after I leave this place, I will still have memories for the rest of my life.

Any closing words of wisdom you'd like to share?

Life is good if you know how to enjoy it. Don't matter if it's cold or hot outside, raining or freezing ice. You're still alive. You're breathing. Every day is absolutely a beautiful gift from God.

CDL A DELIVERY DRIVERS Home Every Night! Needed for our Worcester Depot! Drive local - No more spending valuable nights away from your family! As a Direct Store Delivery Representative YOU have the opportunity to make a difference with our customers! Provide excellent customer service; interact in a positive manner with our customers; deliver our products to local stores. Be home every night! Work for a Company that has been around for over 80 years! Minimum of 3 months driving experience with CDL A/B; GED or HS diploma required; Must be able to drive a standard transmission. EEO/Veteran/Disability Growing Strong Since1933!